Submitted by Rashad Robinson, ColorOfChange.org <info@colorofchange.org>

MOsby260Today a Maryland jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict in the trial of William Porter–the first of six officers to stand trial for the killing of Freddie Gray–resulting in a mistrial.1 While William Porter was not exonerated, prosecutors must decide to try the case again in order for him to be convicted–a new jury selected, witnesses recalled, opening and closing statements rewritten. Protesters are already flooding the streets of Baltimore in response to another failed attempt at justice and accountability for our community.

More than 60,000 ColorOfChange members took action to thank State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby for her decision to actually charge these six officers. Unless we speak up now, after today’s mistrial, there will be critiques about trial strategy and tons of pressure on Mosby from police unions to no longer pursue justice for Freddie’s death. Let’s keep the pressure on so that State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby knows she has our support in continuing to fight for justice for Freddie.

Join us in urging State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby to try again. At least one of the six officers that she charged is responsible for Freddie’s death, and they should be tried and convicted.

Indicting an officer is, in and of itself, a rare moment of public accountability for the Baltimore Police Department. Since protesters have taken to the streets, there has been an upward trend in police officers being charged.2 However, as we can see, bringing charges does not confirm justice. A total of five more officers are awaiting trial, and those responsible need to be held accountable to deter future police abuses. Mosby has the power to make sure the officers who killed Freddie Gray are convicted.

Demand that Mosby try again. The officer(s) that killed Freddie need to be convicted.

Thank you,

— Arisha, Scott, Enchanta and the rest of the ColorOfChange team.

References:

1. “A Freddie Gray Mistrial,” The New Yorker, 12-16-2015
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/5647?t=6&akid=5191.2164214.rBXJFK

2. “The Number of Cops Indicted for Murder Spikes Upward,” The Atlantic, 08-19-2015
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/5648?t=8&akid=5191.2164214.rBXJFK

By CCNM

I have functioned as a Business and Media Consultant over the past sixteen years and spent many years developing my capacity to function in our ever evolving use of technology, communication, education and training.